In January, three ice dance teams are assigned to International Trophy of Lyon (Hirai/Asuncion, Oi/Mizutani, Karakawa/Hirayama). I expect some of them have chances for 4CC or junior worlds based on results.

I agree with you. When the poster&Co. repeatedly gives a pic of the skater still in the air and claim that it's LANDING, someone surely can call it trolling. I thought it's just gross ignorance, but thanks to you we have a new-old term. You are right, such veterans shouldn't be taken seriously Jeez... how much time some people need to spend on boards to finally know when the jump is actually landed, even if they don't skate themselves...

Originally Posted by NMURA

Even in last year, they would have sent their best team if it was in Japan. Some speculates that three stars (Asada, Hanyu, Takahashi) are indispensable for the JSF in order to receive the payoff from Fuji TV and Dentsu (ad agency).

Hanyu was quite dispensable at WTT and JO, sponsored by TV Tokyo. Or you are saying JSF sets their Team based on what TV channel boradcasts the event? Well-well. Where this sport is coming to...

Hanyu was quite dispensable at WTT and JO, sponsored by TV Tokyo. Or you are saying JSF sets their Team based on what TV channel boradcasts the event?

There were different reasonings at the time of WTT and JO. The JSF still favored Takahashi despite apparent pressure from the international judges (to designate Hanyu as #1). They knew that Takahashi's scores could be held down if both of them compete head to head. I guess their priority was beating Chan with home advantages. For this purpose, Hanyu's presence is undesirable. Hanyu is now the official #1 Japanese man. Sponsors want him definitely. Also they can use 4CC to boost him higher and put more pressure on Chan.

In a recent poll (before Japanese nationals), Hanyu was ranked 1st as "the most highly expected male athelete in 2013." I think his popularity is already surpassing Takahashi. Asada was the 1st on women's side.

There were different reasonings at the time of WTT and JO. The JSF still favored Takahashi despite apparent pressure from the international judges (to designate Hanyu as #1). They knew that Takahashi's scores could be held down if both of them compete head to head. I guess their priority was beating Chan with home advantages. For this purpose, Hanyu's presence is undesirable. Hanyu is now the official #1 Japanese man. Sponsors want him definitely. Also they can use 4CC to boost him higher and put more pressure on Chan.

In a recent poll (before Japanese nationals), Hanyu was ranked 1st as "the most highly expected male athelete in 2013." I think his popularity is already surpassing Takahashi. Asada was the 1st on women's side.

Just that? Oh, and I thought it's because Fuji TV with their householding products audience is more into kawai boys than TV Tokyo. And you are saying it's all JSF games? is there a poll for the best conspiracy theory? I would know who deserves the top prize . Seriously, you make it sound like all events in Japan are set and the results is fixed. Why PChan should even bother to come in this case. I wonder if you say the same thing on fixed results if Hanyu wins.
As for surpassing stars, you'll be eligible to tell that when there will be another skater besides Mao and Dai with the same number of advertising contracts and show tickets sales.

I'm sad about JSF's decision: I felt that at least Hongo or Kato deserved a place in the 4CC team, and so did Oda and Kozuka... Last year's assignements were a lot wiser! (Sending #1, #4 and #5 to 4CC and #1, #2 and #3 to Worlds)

I'm sad about JSF's decision: I felt that at least Hongo or Kato deserved a place in the 4CC team, and so did Oda and Kozuka... Last year's assignements were a lot wiser! (Sending #1, #4 and #5 to 4CC and #1, #2 and #3 to Worlds)